Teen Development Expert Speaks at West Essex High School in North Caldwell

Acclaimed child/teen development expert Dr. Robyn Silverman spent a day at West Essex last week, first speaking to seventh and eighth graders inspiring them to support each other, recognize their talents and inspire others during two assemblies. In the evening, Dr. Silverman addressed parents in the West Essex High School Auditorium, discussing “Raising Strong, Positive Leaders: How Parents Can Empower Their Children & Themselves.”

The special program, which is part of the school district’s character education initiative, was made possible by the Fairfield Municipal Alliance Committee. More than 80 parents and community members attending the evening program.

During the presentations to students, Dr. Silverman told students “you matter, your words matter and your actions matter.” She encouraged students to be leaders and brought one student up on stage who said he wanted to be an astronaut and had the auditorium full of students cheer for him. She encouraged students to inspire each other and use their gifts and to prevent obstacles from getting in the way of these things. Dr. Silverman asked students to define themselves, recognize their gifts, envision their goals, believe in them and achieve them.

Dr. Silverman told students to select their inner circle of friends carefully and pick friends who encourage them. She told students that they can find friends in school, camp, through sports, jobs, volunteer work and community activities.

Her interactive presentation was designed to help participants discover effective methods of how to help children become strong, positive leaders among their peers and map out the barriers to success and the challenges young people face today. In addition, Dr. Silverman talked to parents on how to advise children to goal set, take action and seek out reliable mentors who see them in terms of strengths rather than weaknesses. She also told them to discover how they can become positive, empowering mentors to their children and help them realize their gifts, thrive despite challenges and ultimately reach their potential. The program was full of stories, strategies and straight talk and gave parents a specific action plan.

Dr. Silverman is a professional speaker, author, success coach and the creator of the Powerful Words Character Development System. She is a regular guest expert for “The Today Show” and “Good Morning America” and has also been featured on “The Early Show,” “Nightline,” “Fox News” and “The O’Reilly Factor.

West Essex Middle School Principal Vee Popat said he is confident that Dr. Silverman’s presentation provided tremendous value to all of the families who attended the program. “As part of our character education initiative, we felt this program provided world class resources to our school district so that our children and parents can lead happier, healthier, and more successful lives.”

Information courtesy of Allison Freeman, Manager of Communications & Community Outreach, West Essex Regional Schools